Mousehound

I believe, most (or all) of the Asahi available in Thailand is Thai brewed....

The newish beer you're referring to probably is Federbrau, which also is Thai brewed, but supposedly adheres to the German beer brewing laws....

Thanks for the prompt - and vital information!

My last visit to BKK was last January. Saw the beer halls then and thought they looked good and with live music. unfortunately I was ragged away by the "cheese & kisses" so I couldn't sampe the brew. Good to hear these institutions are on the menu permanently. I saw one place that was all decked out in red. Seemed to be promoting a new beer. The name escapes me - I have lost a lot of the ability to remember owing to the poor lifestyle I lead. We are back again this january and I thought it might be a good spot to take a bunch of Thai mates for a night out. ( If I can let slip the marital leed) Can anyone tell me the name of a newish beer that has red as its colours and I guess is a local brew? Is it any good? Is Asahi the real Japanese brew - great stuff in Japan.

Ta - Hic!

This dates me!

Mike Hawthorn - Champion racing driver - used to give me a lift to school in an Austin Healy. Sadley killed in I think the same car , on the Hog's Back near Guildford, Surrey.

Peter Twiss - test pilot.

Peter Eagan - actor

Alan Bates - actor and a distant cousin- We used to play soccer in the back yard and I have a picture of us somewhere smiling at the camera, showing that we had no front teeth. I must have been about five then. - now deceased.

Eric Newby - author of travel books "Slowly Down The Ganges" etc and some sort of distant cousin.

Alan Bond - America Cup Winner - unfortunately!

Hugh Gaitskill - politician - some people think he was murdered - friend of my parents.

Sidney Box and Betty Box - director and costumier of old black and white films - friends of my parents.

Gerry Forsegate - got the HK 7s up and running and has the stadium in HK named after him - CEO of the HK Kowloon Wharf Co - he started the "Star Ferry" - now deceased.

Arnold Palmer - took him "out on the town" one night , on his visit to Sydney for the Australian open years back.

Johny Dankworth & Cleo lane - met them in Melbourne - we were stranded by a strange sand storm covering the city - had a great afternoon drinking beside the Hilton pool with them. Nice people.

Interesting that most of the people I knew in the "interesting" list are either dead or have been in gaol or faded away. I doubt a single one of them would ever rember meeting me.

In Phuket I hire a car at the airport - Avis. Even paying their charges with top insurance I recon it is as cheap as using tuk-tuks and I like the feeling of being self reliant. In BKK - meter taxi only unless they agree to my price.

A Red Tail - caught at Gillham's Resort Krabi.

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tachment=98004:BKK_BigCatfish.JPG]

A 40K+ Mekonk catfish

My wife and I regularly visit BKK and have shifted from staying in the Silom area to KSR. We actually prefer it as a base. I have never seen a fight there yet. We tend to focus on Soi Rambutri rather than KSR itself. Good guesthouses are Diamond House (cute and 200m north of Gullivers Tavern) and Lamphu House on Soi Rambutri itself.

We buy a bit of stuff from the silver wholesalers in the area.

Things to do: the area is good for the river - go south to Taksin - - do Wat Arun, China town and the oriental (if you fancy a posh and expensive afternnon tea). Get the sky train from Silom area to Lumphini, then on to Siam shopping Centre MBK and Central World.

Walk along Khlong lamphu as much as possible (look for giant Monitor Lizards on the bank - our son saw a monster boaconstrictor snake in the water once)and take a look at Wat Sakhet . Then get the Khlong ferry to Phayathai Rd for Jim Thompson's House.

The whole area to the north of Khlong Banghlampho is fascinating to explore.

"Ad here 13" on the left over the khlong going north and opposite Diamond House is a great Blues Bar - say hello to Georgia - she pumps out the vocals from about ten at night.

From KRS, Ko Kret is worth a visit on the ferry as is the Royal Barge Museum - also the Sirriraj Hospital forensic museum. A trip along Khlong BKK Noi is worth while. Watch out for boat scammers though. Same with the Royal palace.

For something different get the skytrain to Thonburi and catch the local train at Wong Wian Yai - go to the end of the line the get a ferry over the river and catch another train to the end of the line. Or go on abike tour of Bang ka Jao area.

I like to go to the cinema in Siam Centre and also go bowling there -a fraction of the cost of AUS. RCA centre has "the biggest indoor go-kart track in the world".

Chatuchack market is a mad but interesting place - we go on Fridays - it is not then packed but some paces are closed.

Vimanmek Palace is well worth a visit - from there walk along the moat of the Chitralada Palace and see how many different species of fish and birds you can spot. Also a good spot for Giant Iguanas (Monitor?).

I like getting a shave from a traditional barber opposite the Phra Sumen Fort - the park there is great in the evenings for watching jugglers. The hotel next to the Tha Phra Arthit (N13) ferry stop - accessed directly from the ferry stop itself is a great place for a cool drink or coffee while you wait for a ferry or to sit out in the breeze in the evening.

Phra Athit itself has several good bars and cafes.

I like to go fishing a lot in BKK - see fishing forum.

After all this I guess that actually we don't spend a lot of time actually in KSR itself but rather on the fringes.

I would agree with other posts, that if possible, get out of BKK - I like to have no more than a week at a time there. Chiang Mai is tops for me - golf, fishing rafting off-road buggy, elephants and trecking: but I like Krabi area very much - did have a great time at Khao Sok National Park (Art's River view lodge) At Krabi you have to check out Gillham's Resort. Fantastic!

This year in Chiang Mai we go up the mountain at Chiang Dao and join in the New Year celebrations having baught our own fireworks to set off. Then it is me in an ultralite filming some friends in a hot air baloon.

I would strongly suggest that any visitor invest in the "Nancy Chandler Maps" they are available online:

http://www.nancychandler.net/

Hope they have a good time.

"Female entertainment for half an hour 3000 baht Australia"

I thought you guys just drove around until you spotted some livestock.

road-kill is OK!

Check Gillham's Fishing Resort out - a bit of a drive but world class.

http://www.megafishingthailand.com/content/view/73/40/

I'm not sure where I got this from but looking at the fish on this web sit and the size of the fish it's blow en me away, I can not wait to get there, Both my fly rods are 5 and 6 wt and by the looks of those fish I'm going to need at least 7-8wt fly rod.

can anyone enlighten me, Are those fish just one offs or what??

I couldn't find this place when I was in Phuket. So I gave up and went to Gillham's instead - I was pretty fed up at the time but thinking back it was the best thing that could have happened as Gillham's was fantastic.

I think I would have my trusty 10wt for some of these monster fish - might even borrow a pals 12wt.

Virtually every reservoir in Thailand contains fish. The only problem is getting there and hiring a boat. That is why tourists hire tour companies and expats do it on their own. Then, there are the private pay for play ponds that were built expressly for fishing. Those ponds have been stocked with exotic species from other countries and will probably include a few native species suitable for fishing. Virtually every stream and river in Thailand has been dammed at some point. That creates a fishery for the locals who use any method possible to kill the fish. They use gill nets and long lines. The lakes are covered in old net debris spread through every shallow area where fish hang out. All the bigger reservoirs have local inhabitants living on floating lodges. The problem for the tourist at the big reservoirs is finding a local with a boat for hire.

I guess I am going to have to fork out the cash for a tour company, at least I will be a bit wiser on my next visit.

Can anyone recomend a good Company fishing in or around bangkok or it monster lake

I have used Jean Francois Helias, he is world class but there are other very good guides. I have done a lot of fishing over the last fifty years and in many countries. If you want top action and you are limited for time then you are best to pay - and top dollar is worth it. If you have a lot of time then I would still get a guide for the odd trip and then go it alone.

Have a read of Peter Jaggs "A Freshwater Fisherman in Thailand"

At Bungsamran I use the following

7' rod 20-50lb

Shimano Baitrunner 6500 - 30lb mono

Cage with a short 2" Kevlar trace 100lb to a barbless gamekatsu

Cage at 10ft below a float.

Rice bran with water and pro-kick attractant.

Got a 47K Mekong on that rig as well as lot of smaller fish.

Where is Piggy'?

And, just to be slightly off topic; if you'r in BKK try "Oh My Cod" off Rambutri. Good tucker - home made pies, shepherd's pie as well as real cod.

Can anyone tell me where I can buy fireworks in CM?

Thanks

In the Warrorot market. Inside the large covered market area on the right as you turn at 7-11 towards the Tapae Rd. There is a little section with half a dozen stalls.

Thanks for the info.

My math may be wrong but 18k Australians died from deaths other than old age / chronic illness etc. If we say there are about 22million Ausies then, factoring in a division of 26 based on an average of a 2 week stay in LOS it would seem that you have a .006 more chance of kaarking it in LOS than in Aus.

OR I could go back to live in a semi in Warrington in UK and pretend to be alive!

Give me Aus or LOS anytime.

Can anyone tell me where I can buy fireworks in CM?

Thanks

Hello! Im new to the forums and Im also moving to Thailand, Im looking for general advice and also about the school Im attenting to get my degree (TEFL/TESL) certificate, Chichester College! Look like a great school and Im very excited! Has anyone heard of that school?

I understand that it is part of Chichester College in England. In fact my old college. They run a good and recognised programme.

I need to buy a couple of airbeds (inflatable) can anyone tell me where I might find these?

Do you know the whereabouts of a camping shop in CM - the closer to the city the better.

Thanks

There's a large sport/camping shop (I think it's called World Sports) in the Khad Suan Geow shopping centre. Also some basic camping stuff in places like Carrefour, Tesco etc. Robinson shops in the two malls also have camping gear.

Thanks for the info - I'll get on to it.

I need to buy a couple of airbeds (inflatable) can anyone tell me where I might find these?

Do you know the whereabouts of a camping shop in CM - the closer to the city the better.

Thanks

hi there i have been living here now for 3 weeks, and i love the place, startng to know my way around , and the language a little too!!

i have been looking for a fishing shop here and cant seem to find one. is there any here? i want one that will sell bait etc...

thankyou. also if anyone can give me tips on where to fish, this would be gratefully recieved!

There is a good tackle shop in C M.and i can tell you how to find it, thus:face tha pai gate, then turn right....and keep going until you have to turn right or walk into the water.so, turn right, and the tackle shop is a few yards along the road.the owner speaks very good english, is very obliging,and helpful.

Sorry about the complicated directions, but i hardly know CM,and do not have a map.

i know nothing of fishing in or near CM...I do all mine near Pai.

hope this has been useful.....

I think I know the one you mean - I tried to find it when I was in CM a couple of years back but it was closed. When you say face the Tha Pai gate do you mean from inside the old city walls ie. looking toward the Ping River?

I will be in CM for the New Year - hope to get some fishing in then.

Just my $ worth

Note - I live in Australia.

I buy stuff on ebay with no problems at all. At the moment, with the economic situation there are some really good deals about.

Currently I am buying parts and builing my own Strat type - (running it as a school workshop project). I have two epiphones which were cheap as and a great little California custom shop "Strat" copy - made in China. i like getting the best out of these cheapies and it is no big deal if they get damaged when I travel.

Good news about no probs getting ger through customs as carry on. Want to bring gear over and see if I can jam with the locals.

I had no idea that Ngao Nam was fished by so many foreigners!!! I fished it for a year (2 years ago) and had 7 Giant cats, biggest being 58 kgs. Great place to fish!

At the moment it isnt fishing that well anymore. From what i have heard sakuna is better at this time.

How do you get to Sakuna please?

I want to book for 7 adults over the new year and wonder if any one has recent info or suggestions on convenient and clean guesthouses BHT1000 per double max.

Have tried to contact Vanilla Guesthouse (near "Antique House Restaurant") but they seem to off the net at the moment.

Thanks

Try "Minicost Apartment & Guesthouse: the best place to stay in chiang mai ..4* <1,000 baht.

Thanks I will get in contact.

I want to book for 7 adults over the new year and wonder if any one has recent info or suggestions on convenient and clean guesthouses BHT1000 per double max.

Have tried to contact Vanilla Guesthouse (near "Antique House Restaurant") but they seem to off the net at the moment.

Thanks

I think jay walking should be compulsory! It's exciting and helps keep the population down.

I feel rougher than the bottom of a cockie's cage.

Don't come the raw prawn with me, mate!

Fair crack of the whip.

Beyond the black stump.

Back of Burke.

Strewth!

Cry Ruth!

To chuckle and chunder.

Cry Hughie!